Crafts

Gifts go a long way in showing teachers how grateful you are and help solidify the parent-teacher partnership, which is important from the very start. This year, let’s skip the typical teacher gifts like mugs and give them gifts that are unique, meaningful and useful. Here are some gift ideas for every teacher on your list.

Gal pal. Bestie. BFF. Whatever we call them, girlfriends, not diamonds, truly are a girl’s best friend. No matter how often we see them, girlfriends are our sounding boards and our confidence boosters. They’re who we turn to when we need a shoulder to cry on and who we count on for honest advice. So as a shout out to our homegirls, let’s plan an evening to celebrate girl power.

Valentine’s Day is a day to express your love for someone special. Surprise that lucky person with a gift from the heart. And who said it has to be a significant other? See this quick, easy and inexpensive giftable that’s sure to make anyone feel the love.

Supplies:

Coffee Mug (oven safe)

Oil-based Sharpie

Cookie Sheet

Pencil (optional)

Instructions:

Find a cute saying

Take your oil-based Sharpies and draw your design

Let dry for 30 minutes

Place mug on the cookie sheet and bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes

We understand that with a busy schedule, it can be hard to find time to relax and unwind. Just when we feel like the busyness of the holidays has passed, Valentine’s Day sneaks up on us. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for friends, teachers, a loved one, or even yourself, a heart shaped bath bomb is something anyone would be thankful to receive. Below are the foolproof instructions on how to make them.

Slowly pour in small amounts of witch hazel until the mixture is wet, but still holds its shape well.

Step 4: Place Dried Flowers in Tray

Add a few buds and petals to each mold in the tray.

Step 5: Pat Mixture into Molds

Tightly pack the mixture into the tray molds and let dry overnight.

Chocolates and flowers are great but the gift of relaxation and pampering is hard to beat. Watching love fizzle can actually be fun and beneficial with these DIY heart shaped bath bombs. Let us know how it works for you in the comments below.

Do you have a vintage vase or bottle that you’ve been holding onto for years? Maybe it’s time to put those accents to work. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for turning your ancient artifacts into a breath of fresh air.

Supplies:

Any narrow-necked vase or bottle that is essential-oil safe

1 cup light, unflavored oil (corn or canola work best)

1 tsp essential oil (scent of your choosing)

½ cup alcohol (or unflavored vodka)

Tan, black or brown rattan reed diffuser sticks

Step one:

Combine ingredients in a glass measuring cup.

Step two:

Stir gently to ensure the scented oil mixes with the other ingredients.

Step three:

Pour into your vessel until about 1/3 full (save remaining mixture in an airtight container until needed).

Step four:

Place reeds in the vase or jar. Make sure they’re long enough to extend several inches above the opening to allow the fragrance to escape.

And that’s it! Place your diffuser wherever a touch of fresh air is needed. Periodically flip the reeds to release the fragrance anew.

What combination of essential oils do you prefer? Let us know in the comment section.

As I think back to 2016 I realized how extremely fortunate I am for the adventures I’ve had, the people I’ve met and most importantly for the memories I’ve made. I never want to lose sight of the moments that truly meant the world to me. In order for me to remember every incredible moment in the new year, I decided to create a memory keeper jar so I will always be able to hold my memories forever.

This is how I did it:

Supplies:

1 Jar

Pen

Scissors

Paper

Tape

Marble filler (Optional)

Decorative string or ribbon

Step 1: Title Your Memory Jar

I actually did not use my scissors to cut out the paper for the title. Instead I tore the paper out, taped it on and I surprisingly liked it much better. For the title, I kept it very simple and straight to the point. However, if you choose to, you can add your name to the title or use the scissors for a clean sharp look.

Step 2: Add Some Character

Because I love the simple classic look, I opted for pearls and lace as my decorative dashes of choice. Not only do the pearls look elegant but the ribbon adds a vintage antiqued look as well.

Step 3: Fill her up!

I decided to truly fill up my memory jar not just with memories but with marbles. This by any means is up to you. After doing so, I noticed that the marbles added a lot more color and fullness to the jar. You could also fill your jar with sea shells, flowers, feathers or beads.

Step 4: Create New Memories

Now that you have completed your memory keeper jar, it’s time to fill her up with accomplishments, funny moments, vacations, holidays and MORE. Have a wonderful year!